WiFi 6E Frequency Considerations
WiFi 6E operates in the 6 GHz band (5925–7125 MHz), requiring very wide bandwidth matching (1200 MHz = 20% FBW). At 6 GHz, even 0201 SMD inductors are approaching their useful operating range (SRF typically 8–15 GHz for 0.5–1 nH values).
Component Selection at 6 GHz
| Component | Issue at 6 GHz | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0402 SMD inductor 2nH | SRF ≈ 5–7 GHz → near SRF at 6 GHz | Use 0201 size, 0.5–1 nH only |
| 0201 SMD inductor 0.5nH | SRF ≈ 15 GHz → safe at 6 GHz | Use for narrow-band match |
| Microstrip stub | No SRF concern | Best for wideband 6 GHz design |
Wideband Matching at 6 GHz (RF View)
WiFi 6E LNA (5925–7125 MHz): Z_in = 28 + j15 Ω at 6.5 GHz center
Wideband matching approach (Pi-network, Q=1.0):
Step 1: Cancel +j15Ω → series C = 1/(2π×6.5GHz×15) = 1.63 pF → 1.5pF C0G
Step 2: Pi-network shunt elements:
Input shunt C = Z_source/(Q×2πf₀) = 50/(1×2π×6.5GHz) = 1.23 pF → 1.2pF C0G
Series L between shunts: X=Q×R_v=1×√(50×28)=37.4Ω → L=0.92nH → 1.0nH 0201
Output shunt C = Z_load/Q = 28/(1×2π×6.5GHz) = 0.69pF → 0.68pF C0GVerify in RF View
- Load WiFi 6E LNA .s2p as DUT
- Add Pi-network elements in Circuit Simulator
- Simulate → S11 should be <−10 dB from 5.9–7.1 GHz (1200 MHz BW)
- Switch to Real Match → Murata GRM0335 C0G + LQP03TN 0201 series
RF View WiFi 6E: Simulate Pi-network matching for 6 GHz WiFi 6E in the Circuit Simulator. Real Match for 0201 components. Verify 1200 MHz bandwidth coverage with BW Marker. Free on Android.